In 2000, the center-left government of Chancellor Gerhard Schröder introduced a "green card" system in an effort to streamline the immigration of IT specialists. Despite the need for computer experts, however, opposition to the plan was intense, with Jürgen Rüttgers, then campaigning to become the governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, coining the phrase "Kinder statt Inder" -- "children instead of Indians" -- to indicate his preference for training Germans rather than opening up the borders to foreigners.

...

"Few seem to have understood that Germany needs to make itself more attractive. The problem: Many here still have the impression that foreigners take jobs away from Germans. The reality, however, is different: Since 2008, Germany has actually been a country of emigration instead of immigration. More people are leaving than are arriving. In addition to qualified foreigners, well-trained Germans are also leaving. In the last few years, fewer than 700 highly qualified foreigners have chosen to make Germany their home -- a vanishingly small number."

Larsen denies that, insisting in interviews with the AP since the government first moved to seize his land in February 2009 that he has treated his workers well.

...

He claims he was singled out as a relatively wealthy white American in a racially divided nation by an Aymara Indian president who grew up dirt poor.

Morales, the Larsens claim, was more interested in getting access to natural gas and petroleum deposits that likely underlie Caraparicito — exploratory drilling began there last year — than in restoring indigenous lands.

Bolivia's government has also confiscated ranches totaling more than 60 square miles (15,500 hectares) from two powerful white opposition leaders in Bolivia's eastern lowlands, the stronghold of Morales' most bitter foes.